MIAM Rule Changes April 2024: What Separating Couples Must Know

Understanding MIAM and Its Importance One Year on From Rule Changes

If you’re separating or divorcing in England & Wales, attending a Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting (MIAM) is now more crucial than ever.

The April 2024 updates to the Family Procedure Rules reinforce a MIAM as the first step in resolving disputes—helping families find solutions without costly and stressful court battles.

What is a MIAM?

A MIAM is an initial separate information and assessment meeting where an accredited mediator explains how mediation works and assesses whether it’s suitable for your situation. Courts now enforce MIAM attendance more strictly to encourage non-court dispute resolution (NCDR).

New MIAM Requirements in April 2024

The strengthened MIAM rules emphasise:

• Stronger Court Oversight – Judges can adjourn cases if mediation is a viable option, ensuring parties explore alternatives before litigation.

• Fewer Exemptions – Exemptions for MIAM attendance (e.g., domestic abuse or urgent cases) now have stricter thresholds, meaning fewer people can bypass attending a MIAM.

• Government Funding – The Family Mediation Voucher Scheme offers financial support to eligible families, making mediation more accessible.

• Expanded Options – Mediators at MIAMs must discuss all key NCDR options, including arbitration, collaborative law, and other dispute resolution methods.

  
  

Why Mediation is the Best Alternative to Court

Mediation offers several advantages over litigation:

• Cost-Effective – Mediation is cheaper and faster than going to court.

• Reduces Conflict – It encourages cooperative decision-making, benefiting children and co-parents.

• Tailored Agreements – Solutions are customised rather than imposed by the court, allowing families to create arrangements that work for them.

  
  

How to Prepare for Your MIAM

To make the most of your MIAM session:

• Clarify your goals – Identify what matters most in your separation.

• Gather relevant documents – Financial details and parenting plans can help facilitate discussions.

• Stay open-minded – Mediation works best when both parties engage constructively.

• Understand your options – Be prepared to discuss various forms of dispute resolution beyond mediation, such as arbitration or collaborative law.

  
  

Final Thoughts and Next Steps

With stronger MIAM requirements now in force, separating couples must explore mediation and other non-court dispute resolution (NCDR) options before heading to court—unless an exemption applies. Mediation empowers families to make calm, informed decisions, reducing stress and uncertainty.

If you’re considering separation, attending a MIAM is no longer just a formality—it’s an opportunity to explore solutions that work best for your family.

Ready to explore mediation? 

If you're interested in learning how Holistic Family Mediation & Coaching can support you and your family through separation or divorce, please visit our FAQs page for more information. Alternatively, you can book a Free Discovery Call via our services page.

For personalised support on your separation or divorce journey, I am here to guide you as your dedicated holistic life coach. Together, we can navigate this path with grace and empowerment. To get started, complete and submit the Coaching Referral Form. You can choose to pay for coaching on a pay-as-you-go basis for individual sessions or purchase a package of six sessions for the price of five via our services page.

If you are ready to begin with my family mediation service, please complete and submit a Self-Referral Form and book your initial Mediation Information & Assessment Meeting (MIAM) online. We will then reach out to your ex-partner (unless requested otherwise) to encourage their participation, highlighting the benefits of family mediation: lower costs, staying in control, and achieving a quicker resolution compared to court proceedings.